Cell Basics
What is the basic unit of structure and function in all living things?
The cell
Name one organelle found in plant cells but not animals
cell wall or chloroplasts
What does it mean for a cell to be "specialised"?
It has a particular shape or structure suited to doing one specific job
Movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, nutrition
Name one Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander classification systems can be based on
usefulness, function, danger, or location found
Name the three components of cell theory
1) all living things come from cells
2) the cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living things
3) all cells come from pre-existing cells
What is the function of the cell wall?
Provides structure, support, and protection for the cell
What is the main advantage of a specialised cell being "built for purpose"?
Its structures are adapted to help it perform a specific function
What is a dichotomous key used for?
To identify an unknown organism through a series of paired, contrasting questions about its features
Give an example of how "danger" might be used to classify an organism
e.g. classifying organisms as poisonous/dangerous vs safe
Which organelle controls what substances enter and exit the cell?
The cell membrane
What is the function of chloroplasts?
Why do muscle cells contain lots of mitochondria?
They need lots of energy (ATP) to move
List the levels of classification system (KPCOFGS)
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
Why might the same plant be classified differently depending on the system used?
Because each system groups by different criteria - physical similarity versus practical use - so the purpose of classification changes the category
Which organelle contains the cell's DNA and controls its activities?
The nucleus
Name two organelles found in both plant and animal cells
Name one structural feature of a root hair cell and explain why it helps its job
A long, thin extension that increases surface area for absorbing water and minerals
Name an Australian organism and explain how one of its traits is directly linked to its environment
e.g. platypus having webbed feet and waterproof fur suit its aquatic hunting lifestyle
A scientist discovered an organism that has a cell wall, makes its own food, and has chloroplasts. Which kingdom would it most likely belong to?
Plantae (plants)
Name the organelle that is the site of cellular respiration (produces energy)
The mitochondria
Where in a plant would expect to find the most chloroplasts and why?
In the leaves, as they conduct photosynthesis (green pigment)
Name 2 things a good scientific diagram of cell should always include
labels, straight label lines, no shading, a title, clear single lines
What is the binomial system of classification?
A naming system that gives every species a two-part latin name: Genus + species
Explain why scientists classify organisms into groups instead of giving every organism its own category
Classification groups organisms based on shared characteristics, making them easier to identify, study and understand relationships between organisms